Amongst the kind and generous correspondents who have furnished me with matter for this work is an Austrian gentleman, who, apparently, holds some appointment under Government. He writes: “Our local man in blue (or rather in green, in Prussia) and I have just driven twenty miles a burglar to the police-station. Bobby and I being both new to this part of the world, did not know the road, but our passenger directed us quite well, and actually rang the bell himself at the gaol; after which he most properly wished a very happy new year to the head constable, with whom he seemed to be quite on sitting terms.
“But the point of this is to tell you of a very decent drink, mixed by ‘Billy’ ”—presumably the burglar—“himself, on our journey—a most acceptable ‘gargle,’ with two feet of snow and a beastly east wind. {155}
- “ 2 pints lager beer, brought to boiling point.
- 3 glass rhum.
- 3 glass cognac.
- 8 lumps sugar.
- 1 lemon.
“I am afraid the poor fellow won’t get another taste of it for five years.”
Lager beer and “rhum” does not read particularly delectable. But there is no accounting for tastes; and possibly the Burglar’s Brew may find favour amongst some of my young friends.
Reserving the right to re-enter upon the subject of long drinks, I will now touch upon a short one or two. Imprimis,
Cocktails,
another brand of beverages which our American cousins have introduced into the old country. I am bound to add that the beverage in question has not altogether “frozen on” here, although the American Bar has become an institution in all fashionable and much-frequented quarters. In the land of its birth the cocktail is said to be popular at shooting or fishing parties. But on this side the host who wants his guests to shoot straight does not ply them freely with fancy drinks.
Brandy Cocktail.
To save wearisome repetition of words, it should be stated at the outset that the cocktail is almost invariably mixed in a small tumbler, in which the necessary crushed ice has been placed first. {156}